Breaking the Asian stereotype, firefighting as a job?

Question

Well first off, I'm new here and certainly wouldn't mind espressing my opinion as well as trying to help others with their questions

Anway, I'm an asian american and was wondering is it kind of rare for a person like me to pursue firefighting? Yes firefighting, not that I care if there is plenty of my race working in that field, but was just curious. I know the job is extremely tough. Honestly, I'm 20 yrs and am an undecided major. First, I thought about business administration and other majors dealing with math and science. First it was all about the money, now I'm thinking about helping people. From wanting to live life rich, now its about living life rich as a human being. Exactly how hard is it to get accepted as a firefigter (the hiring process, does the job need more minorities)? Any website where I can get plenty of info on the career? Thank you

Some of my friends think I would make a perfect firefighter. I don't have the height (5'8 and1/4, but very bulky..180 lbs)

Answer 1

I am a firefighter and I would say yes...go for it. There are many cities that are looking for good individuals to fill positions. It is a hard field to enter as it is often very competitive and usually the best fit for the job is someone that already knows much about the fire service. My advice to you is as follows and is based on my experience in the fire service...

- If you live in an area that you can volunteer at a department, do it. You will gain valuable knowledge about all aspects of the fire service.

- Start taking classes now. There is a lot of training involved with getting your 1403 and firefighter level 1 & 2. Visit your local community college and find out when they are running fire classes. Most departments now require their firefighters to be an EMT as well.

- I understand that in the world there are racist people that discriminate against all types however, in my experience I would not allow the fact that you are Asian, Black, White, Brown or what ever be a worry and/or be used as a crutch. If you are knowledgeable about the fire service, willing to work hard and willing to work with all kinds of people…this is what will get you far in the fire service and in life. Someone that comes into the fire service and is not willing to pull their weight or not continue to learn is what is frowned upon the most.
- Understand that you will have to continue to learn the entire time you are employed…the individuals that think they know it all are the most dangerous.

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

yes, you may be all that and some more but i just want to tell you that it is hard to break into a firefighters job

here is why.
first its usually a civil service exam and physical is needed
not problem with that so far.
but. the different departments are very selective in picking who they want in their little club..i know from experience that they really try to get blokes that think and look like they do..if you can overcome the stereotype then good for you. I would not have a problem whoever pulled me out of a burning building

but. you must realize the hiring process is not always fair to minorities..check out the current firemen and also check out the new recruits?
can you start out as a volunteer in some capacity??do you have some influential political or non political pull? this would help and all the positive endorsements as well.
good luck. its a hard private club for anyone to get into..next to impossible is some close minded cities...used to be just a job for the Irish in the east

Answer 3

the NYFD desperately needs minorites

anyhow, the FD has its pros and cons, but remember, its tough and (obviously) quite dangerous


godspeed

Answer 4

Join the the military in the republic of China it is your best safest bet verses The Fascist Republic of USA!